Trevone Boykin’s athleticism never had much chance to shine this season because he was often covered up by two or three defensive linemen converging from every angle.

While he was in for injured quarterback Casey Pachall, Boykin rarely had the time he needed to find receivers, and defenses were well aware of his ability to run after watching him a year ago.

But since Pachall’s return two weeks ago, Boykin’s natural athletic skills have flourished. Against West Virginia, he had a career-high 11 catches, the most by a Horned Frog in 18 years. His 100 yards receiving is a career high and just the second 100-yard day by a TCU receiver this season, and he is one of six players to have both a 100-yard rushing game and a 100-yard receiving game this season.

And he made it look relatively easy despite splitting the quarterback reps during practice for much of the season.

“It is a hard transition with all the little intricacies you have to have for reading defenders,” TCU coach Gary Patterson said during Monday’s Big 12 teleconference. “He’ll go up and get the ball.”

Boykin isn’t a stranger to receiving. He lined up as a receiver on TCU’s first play from scrimmage this season before replacing Pachall at quarterback for most of the second half.

Boykin was a strong candidate to fill the void left by Josh Boyce and Skye Dawson as one of Pachall’s go-to receivers. But Pachall’s injury the next week forced Boykin to quarterback, and the receiving corps — along with the offensive line — did Boykin few favors as TCU went 2-4 with Boykin as the starter.

“He’s a guy who can go make plays, and he loves playing the game,” Patterson said. “He would even be a better quarterback if he had Trevone to throw it to. Just put him in with his clone; it would make his job even easier being the quarterback. You know all we’ve talked about is having a go-to guy. It’s really a tribute to him to how well he was able to do that.”

Carter could be back

Patterson said receiver Brandon Carter practiced Sunday but that it’s unclear whether the Euless Trinity graduate will be available Saturday against Iowa State. Carter did not play last week against West Virginia after he took a leave of absence to deal with a family situation.

K-State kick set

TCU’s game at Kansas State will start at 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 16 and be televised on Fox Sports Southwest.

Key stat

38 Interceptions for TCU since the start of the 2012 season, including 17 this season, tied for second-most in the nation. The Frogs trail only Oregon (39) in interceptions since last season.

Quotable

“We had an unbelievable practice [Sunday] night. I think it’s just a mark of the kind of kids we have here. They know we’ve been very close in some games, we haven’t finished some games as a staff and as players. I’ve always gained my strength from the kids, and they made me feel really good [Sunday] because of the way they handled it and how they went about themselves. That’s all you can ask for.” — TCU coach Gary Patterson